Page 139 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

140 The Armenian Church

sonal life of the faithful, the family, and the
whole community. Armenian spirituality is
inclusive and all - encompassing.
e) The Armenian Church's spirituality
is cross-centered and resurrection-oriented.
The history of the Armenian people, which
is marked by suffering and the constant
drive for hope, has strongly impacted its
spirituality, which is life affirming even in
the midst of martyrdom.
f) Deification or Theosis, a unique feature
of Orthodox spirituality, is at the center of
Armenian spirituality. It refers to the resto-
ration of God's image and likeness in human
beings and aims at the salvation of hu-
manity and the whole of creation in Christ
through a continuous act of repentance and
spiritual transformation.
g) And, finally, Armenian spirituality is
firmly grounded on the Armenian Church's
ecclesiological, doctrinal, and missiological
self-understanding. Each element, form, or
manifestation of spirituality has its specific
meaning and purpose within the broader
context of the faith of the Armenian Church.